Support the Future of Hematology: Make a Gift
to These Important Career Development Programs

The American Society of Hematology (ASH) is committed to the career development of hematologists at all levels. The Society has established programs in support of basic researchers, clinical researchers, trainees, junior faculty, and medical students.

By making a gift to one or more of these important programs, you can help ensure the future of hematology. Each dollar given supports the ultimate goal of treating and curing the blood diseases that affect so many people. Should you have any questions about contributing to ASH and the field of hematology, please contact the ASH Development Department at development@hematology.org.

You can direct your contribution to one of these three specific programs or to the program most in need:

Clinical Research Training Institute

“Before attending the Clinical Research Training Institute, my research project was nebulous, my career plans were vague, and I had little idea what it would take to succeed in my field. The program sharpened my focus, gave me crucial information, and, above all, inspired me. I valued the opportunity to meet with and learn from peers from different institutions who shared my interests. The didactic sessions allowed me to focus on essential information for someone pursuing a career in clinical research, in a setting that encouraged questions and dialogue. And finally, the mentoring, from respected thought leaders in my field who were also approachable and accessible for the entire week, was an unbelievable experience.”

- Daniel A. Pollyea, MD, 2008 Clinical Research Training Institute Participant

The Clinical Research Training Institute, launched in 2003, is a year-long program for hematology fellows and junior faculty at academic medical centers that offers a broad education about clinical research methods, career development, statistical approaches, and managing the demands of family and career. The goal of the Institute is to produce a group of researchers armed with ideas for clinical and translational hematology research and the tools and access to resources to make their ideas a reality.

Since 2003, the Clinical Research Training Institute has supported 100 hematology fellows and junior faculty. Many of the participants have received additional grants as a result of their involvement in this program.

ASH Scholar Awards

“Receiving my Scholar Award allowed me to obtain an 80% research faculty position after fellowship – it has given me the protected time necessary to be successful.”

- Sarah O’Brien, MD, 2006-2008 ASH Scholar Award Recipient

The ASH Scholar Awards program was created in 1985 and since that time has supported more than 150 scholars. The ASH Scholar Awards are designed to support hematologists who have chosen a career in research by providing partial salary or other support during the critical period between the completion of training and achievement of status as an independent investigator. Currently, ASH grants over $2.15 million annually to the Scholar Awards program in basic and clinical research for both fellows and junior faculty.

This program is the Society's top priority and corporate support helps to ensure that talented researchers receive the funding necessary. In light of the research cuts anticipated at the NIH level, programs like the ASH Scholars are becoming even more important to those trying to establish independent research careers.

Minority Recruitment Initiative

“My interest in both hematology and research has increased as a result of my experience in the Minority Medical Student Award Program. Performing research in a clinical setting granted me the unique opportunity to have exposure to patients who were affected with sickle cell disease. Despite the tremendous amount of time I have dedicated to studying about sickle cell and other hematologic diseases in my coursework, encountering these hematologic abnormalities in a clinical setting gave me a different perspective on the disease, a perspective that I will carry with me through my career as a physician.”

- Nnenaya Agochukwu, 2008 MMSAP Participant

Established in 2004, the Minority Medical Student Award Program (MMSAP) is helping combat the underrepresentation of minorities in medicine, specifically in hematology. The MMSAP is an eight- to twelve-week research experience for students from the United States and Canada in their early years of medical school.

Since the program's inception, nearly 40 medical students have participated. This is just the beginning of what the Society hopes will be a successful program that attracts minorities to the field and encourages them to pursue life-long careers in hematology.

The ASH-AMFDP is a partnership between the American Society of Hematology and the Harold Amos Medical Faculty Development Program (AMFDP) of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The goal of the partnership is to increase the number of minority scholars in the field of hematology with academic and research appointments. The ASH-AMFDP joins the MMSAP as the second component of the ASH Minority Recruitment Initiative.

ASH continues to identify additional opportunities to increase minority representation in the field of hematology. Contributing to this initiative will enable the Society to increase its current efforts.

Help support these hematology career development programs by making a gift today.